1 Samuel 24:15
1 Samuel 24:15 in Multiple Translations
May the LORD be our judge and decide between you and me. May He take notice and plead my case and deliver me from your hand.”
The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand.
Jehovah therefore be judge, and give sentence between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thy hand.
So let the Lord be judge, and give a decision between me and you, and see and give support to my cause, and keep me from falling into your hands.
May the Lord decide and choose between you and me. May he pay attention to my case and support it; may he save me from you.”
After whom is the King of Israel come out? after whome doest thou pursue? after a dead dog, and after a flea?
And Jehovah hath been for judge, and hath judged between me and thee, yea, he seeth and pleadeth my cause, and doth deliver me out of thy hand.'
May the LORD therefore be judge, and give sentence between me and you, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of your hand.”
The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thy hand.
After whom dost thou pursue? After a dead dog, after a flea.
I hope/desire that Yahweh will judge which of us is doing what ◄he wants/is right►. I trust that he will act like a lawyer and judge ◄my case/what I have done►, and that he will rescue me from your power [MTY].”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 24:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 24:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַחֲרֵ֨י
מִ֤י
יָצָא֙
מֶ֣לֶךְ
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
אַחֲרֵ֥י
מִ֖י
אַתָּ֣ה
רֹדֵ֑ף
אַֽחֲרֵי֙
כֶּ֣לֶב
מֵ֔ת
אַחֲרֵ֖י
פַּרְעֹ֥שׁ
אֶחָֽד
אַחֲרֵ֨י
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
מִ֤י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
יָצָא֙
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
אַחֲרֵ֥י
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
מִ֖י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
אַתָּ֣ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
רֹדֵ֑ף
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
V-Qal
אַֽחֲרֵי֙
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
כֶּ֣לֶב
keleb
H3611
dog
N-ms
מֵ֔ת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal
אַחֲרֵ֖י
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep
פַּרְעֹ֥שׁ
parʻôsh
H6550
flea
N-ms
אֶחָֽד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 24:15
אַחֲרֵ֨י
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
מִ֤י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
יָצָא֙
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
אַחֲרֵ֥י
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
מִ֖י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
אַתָּ֣ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
רֹדֵ֑ף
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
V-Qal
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
אַֽחֲרֵי֙
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
כֶּ֣לֶב
keleb
H3611
"dog"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means dog, but it can also refer to someone who is despised or considered lowly. It is sometimes used to describe a male prostitute in a pagan context. The word appears in various books, including Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) dog 1a) dog (literal) 1b) contempt or abasement (fig.) 1c) of pagan sacrifice 1d) of male cult prostitute (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: dog. See also: Exodus 11:7; 2 Kings 8:13; Psalms 22:17.
מֵ֔ת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
אַחֲרֵ֖י
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
פַּרְעֹ֥שׁ
parʻôsh
H6550
"flea"
N-ms
This word simply means a flea, a small insect. It is mentioned in the Bible as a common pest. The word is used to describe something tiny or insignificant.
Definition: flea
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: flea. See also: 1 Samuel 24:15; 1 Samuel 26:20.
אֶחָֽד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 24:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 24:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 24:15
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:15
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 24:15
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 24:15
Context — David Spares Saul
13As the old proverb says, ‘Wickedness proceeds from the wicked.’ But my hand will never be against you.
14Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea?
15May the LORD be our judge and decide between you and me. May He take notice and plead my case and deliver me from your hand.”
16When David had finished saying these things, Saul called back, “Is that your voice, David my son?” Then Saul wept aloud 17and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 43:1 | Vindicate me, O God, and plead my case against an ungodly nation; deliver me from deceitful and unjust men. |
| 2 | Psalms 35:1 | Contend with my opponents, O LORD; fight against those who fight against me. |
| 3 | Psalms 119:154 | Defend my cause and redeem me; revive me according to Your word. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 24:12 | May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD take vengeance on you, but my hand will never be against you. |
| 5 | Micah 7:9 | Because I have sinned against Him, I must endure the rage of the LORD, until He argues my case and executes justice for me. He will bring me into the light; I will see His righteousness. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 24:22 | Thus King Joash failed to remember the kindness that Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had extended to him. Instead, Joash killed Jehoiada’s son. As he lay dying, Zechariah said, “May the LORD see this and call you to account.” |
| 7 | Micah 1:2 | Hear, O peoples, all of you; listen, O earth, and everyone in it! May the Lord GOD bear witness against you, the Lord from His holy temple. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 26:4 | David sent out spies to verify that Saul had arrived. |
1 Samuel 24:15 Summary
In 1 Samuel 24:15, David is saying that he wants God to decide what is fair and right between him and King Saul. He is trusting that God will see what is happening and protect him from harm, just like God promises to do for us in Psalm 121:7-8. This verse teaches us that we can trust God to work out our problems and to be our defender, just like David did. By trusting in God's justice and mercy, we can find peace and confidence, even in difficult situations, as seen in Isaiah 26:3 and Philippians 4:7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does David mean by 'May the LORD be our judge' in 1 Samuel 24:15?
David is asking God to intervene and settle the dispute between him and King Saul, trusting in God's justice and fairness, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:4 and Psalm 7:11.
Is David seeking revenge against King Saul in 1 Samuel 24:15?
No, David is not seeking revenge, but rather seeking God's protection and vindication, as he has already stated in 1 Samuel 24:13 that his hand will never be against the king.
How does David's statement in 1 Samuel 24:15 reflect his trust in God?
David's statement shows that he trusts God to be his defender and to plead his case, demonstrating faith in God's sovereignty and goodness, as expressed in Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:31.
What can we learn from David's example in 1 Samuel 24:15 about resolving conflicts?
We can learn to trust God to work out our conflicts and to seek His justice and mercy, rather than taking matters into our own hands, as taught in Matthew 5:38-42 and Romans 12:14-21.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God to be my judge and defender, and how can I apply David's example to those situations?
- How can I, like David, seek God's justice and mercy in the face of adversity or conflict, and what does this look like in my daily life?
- In what ways can I demonstrate trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when circumstances seem uncertain or difficult, as David did in 1 Samuel 24:15?
- What does it mean for me to 'plead my case' before God, and how can I cultivate a deeper trust in His ability to work out all things for my good, as promised in Romans 8:28?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 24:15
The Lord therefore be Judge, and judge between me and thee,.... Signifying he did not desire to be judge in his own cause, but leave it with God to determine it for him in his providence: and see,
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:15
1 Samuel 24:15 The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand.Ver. 15. The Lord therefore be judge, and judge.] See 1 Samuel 24:12.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:15
(15) The Lord therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand.—Shall I lay these hands on the Lord’s Anointed? God forbid. No; I will not do it for a kingdom. Such wicked feats I leave for wicked men to act. God can and will in His own due time make good His own promise without my sin. I shall be content to wait His leisure, and remain in the sad condition I now am in, till it shall please Him to bring me out of it.—Bishop Sanderson, in Wordsworth.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 24:15
Verse 15. The Lord therefore be judge] Let God determine who is guilty.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 24:15
15. plead my cause] Cp. Psalms 35:1 ff.; possibly written about this time. deliver me out of thy hand] Lit. judge me out of thy hand: give me my right, and set me free.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 24:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Threshing Floor of Ornan by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine and real relationship with God. He highlights the need for believers to have a solid foundation in their f |
|
Prayer in the Time of Trouble by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith addresses the issue of seeking righteous judgment from God in the face of an ungodly nation. He begins by acknowledging the sad reality of a nati |
|
Psalm 43: A Cry of Distress by Art Katz | Art Katz explores Psalm 43, emphasizing the psalmist's deep distress and his struggle to reconcile his experiences with his understanding of God's character. The psalmist's cry for |
|
(The Life of David) 03 Friends and Foes in David's Life by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of spending time in fellowship with God in order to overcome the giants in our lives. He uses the example of David, who spent |
|
Great Faith Over Great Fear - Psalm 46 by Michael Flowers | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power and victory found in the word of God. They highlight the importance of understanding the prophetic message of Jesus and the impact |
|
The Lord, Avenger of His People by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the theme of God as the avenger of His people in his sermon based on Psalms 35, addressing the current societal challenges and moral decline. He highlights |
|
The End Time by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee emphasizes the urgency of prayer in the end times, highlighting that as the return of the Son of Man approaches, faith and prayer will be in short supply among believe |